Sherrod Talks Diversity

By Special to the Daily WorldThe American Institute for Managing Diversity, Inc. (AIMD) presented a Distinguished Dialogue event featuring a conversation between former USDA executive Shirley Sherrod and Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr., a diversity management pioneer and founder of AIMD. AIMD is one of the nation’s first and leading nonprofit think tanks dedicated to the advancement of diversity. For the past 25 years, AIMD has provided solutions-based research, tools, and educational programming on the field of diversity.

Thomas, president of Roosevelt Thomas Consulting and Training and Sherrod, the former USDA executive who was fired from her post when an edited video depicting her with negative racial views was distributed to media outlets, appeared on stage recently to discuss her situation. During the dialogue, moderators Jovita Moore from WSB-TV Channel 2 and Denis O’Hayer from NPR, explore beyond the headlines and expose guests to the insights and lessons individuals, companies, federal agencies and countries can learn from Sherrod’s eggshell situation.

“I actually shared my concern with my manager five days before July 19 and asked for their help to investigate it,” said Sherrod as she shared an unknown fact with the audience. She went on to say, “Most people think the Civil Rights Movement ended in the 1960s. I’m still in the movement, and those of us who can see a better life need to work together. I will stand up for what’s right. I’ve never decided not to fight.”

Pamela Arnold, president of AIMD, announced the new chairman of the board for the organization, Ralph Cleveland of AGL Resources. The event also included a book signing by AIMD founder, Dr. Roosevelt Thomas, a noted diversity management pioneer and author of seven books. His latest book is “World Class Diversity Management: A Strategic Approach.”

For more information about AIMD, contact the American Institute for Managing Diversity at www.aimd.org or call 404-575-2131.